No-one would argue the fact that the personal computer changed education forever. Computers began to flood college and university campuses thirty years ago, progressing from specialized equipment used by specific groups (such as researchers and students needing to crunch large amounts of data) to widespread computer labs where students had access to PCs for writing essays and completing assignments. In the last decade, the PC has thoroughly permeated higher education, with most students owning their own computer. Some programs require students to own a PC, while others give one to students with registration. Today, a quick glance around a campus will reveal students, staff and professors who are as likely to be carrying laptops or iPads as they are to be slinging the traditional backpack full of textbooks. There’s another way in which the rise of the computer has changed higher education, and in some ways this has had an even greater impact on the way post secondary institutions operate.
The PC has meant an increase in the use of multimedia tools (such as PowerPoint presentations) as part of lectures and changed how students undertook research and assignments. However, aside from the addition of WiFi and power outlets in many classrooms, a student from the 1960s would find the experience of attending college in 2011 to be reasonably familiar. Where some of the most radical changes have taken place is in the area of distance learning.
If that student from the 1960s were working and looking for a way to progress, one of the best ways would be to consider enrolling in a continuing education program. That way they could obtain a professional certificate or even an advanced degree. The idea was much simpler than the solution, however. If the plan was to continue working while taking courses, that would limit the student to night courses at a local school. Chances are (unless they lived in a college town like Boston), that the program they wanted wouldn’t be offered locally. This would leave the student with the choice of making do with what was available, or quitting their job and moving to a city with a college that offered the program they wanted. Neither option was optimal and even if they were one of the lucky ones, they still had to arrange their schedule around the course times, which was often inconvenient.
Computers and the Internet have changed the situation dramatically for those who are looking to further their education or to progress professionally by completing an advanced degree. Thanks to this advanced technology and the fact that computers are so widespread, there has been a revolution in distance learning. Today, a student need only have an Internet connection and access to a computer in order to complete an advanced degree in the subject of their choice. Online programs allow a high degree of interactivity between students and teachers, making this a vast improvement over the old correspondence courses. Yet, because a physical presence is not required, students can enroll in a program offered by an institution located thousands of miles away. They are able to complete the program on their free time, making it much easier to incorporate higher learning into a busy home and work life.
The demand for web based distance learning programs has led to a huge growth in what’s offered. Distance learning courses have been greatly increased by schools that now have the ability to market to students far beyond their traditional physical boundaries. Some of the country’s most reputable colleges and universities are leading the way, offering everything from Bachelor degrees to Doctorates online. While computers on campus have changed the way that students learn, professors teach and how everyone in the academic environment communicates, the biggest change in the way colleges and universities offer and deliver courses is often in their online programs —representing a huge leap forward in subject offerings, accessibility and participation for those taking degrees through distance learning.
Take the example of a police officer looking to progress professionally. In today’s environment, they could enroll in a program to complete an online Criminal Justice degree. Doing so would let them upgrade specializations such as forensics, media management and provide the tools needed to manage and direct a law enforcement agency in today’s world with the global war on terror and 24/7 media accessibility. Completing an online degree today opens professional doors without compromising the student’s educational experience or requiring the personal sacrifice of enrolling in a program on campus.
About the Author:
Helen Beck has written numerous articles on the subject of continuing education. According to Helen, the biggest advance in the post-secondary academic field in the past decade has been the growth in online, post graduate programs such as criminal justice degrees. She notes that the fact that reputable, accredited colleges and universities have boosted the profile of this option, opening new doors for personal and professional advancement.
